Liberia's First Civil War

This book provides a comprehensive narrative history of Liberia's first civil war, from its origins in the 1980s right through the conflict and up to the peace agreement and conclusion of hostilities in 1997. The first Liberian Civil War was one of Africa's most devastating conflicts, claiming the lives of more than 200,000 Liberians, and sending shockwaves across the world. Drawing on a wide range of local and international sources, the book traces the background of the war and its long-term and immediate causes, before analysing the detail of the unfolding conflict, the eventual ceasefire, peace agreement and subsequent elections. In particular, the book shines a light on hitherto unseen first-hand Roman Catholic indigenous and missionary sources, which offer a rare intimacy to the analysis. Detailing the impact of Liberia's individual warlords and peacemakers, the book also explains the roles played by non-governmental agencies, national, regional and international actors, by the UN, ECOWAS and the Organisation of African Unity, and by nations with special interests and influence, such as the USA and other West African states. This book's detailed narrative analysis of the Liberian conflict will be an important read for anyone with an interest in the Liberian conflict, including researchers within African studies, political science, contemporary history, international relations, and peace and conflict studies.

Edmund Hogan is currently Archivist of the Society of African Missions, of which he is a member. He has been a Lecturer for over four decades in universities in Ireland and across Africa, most recently as Professor in Church History and Patrology at Good Shepherd Major Seminary, Kaduna, Nigeria.

PART ONE: PRELUDE Chapter 1: Remote causes of Liberia's revolution Chapter 2: Proximate causes of Liberia's revolution PART TWO: THE FALLING OF THE AXE Chapter 3: Dawn of the revolution - the 1980 coup Chapter 4: Revolutionary fervour diminishes Chapter 5: A return to civilian rule Chapter 6: Economic crisis and increasing international scrutiny Chapter 7: Popular support for the regime falters but backing from the Reagan Administration continues PART THREE: THE ADVENT OF CHARLES TAYLOR Chapter 8: Enemies of the revolution cross into Liberia and liberation from tyranny is proclaimed Chapter 9: Rebel forces move southwards toward Monrovia and atrocities on both sides multiply PART FOUR: THE INTERVENTION OF ECOWAS AND KILLING OF PRESIDENT DOE Chapter 10: Peacekeeping and mediation interventions emerge as the rebel conquest of Monrovia stalls Chapter 11: The assassination of Liberia's President and the leader of its revolutionary coup Chapter 12: Liberia as a two-state entity: The Monrovia enclave rule by an interim government (IGNU) and 'Greater Liberia' (capital Gbarnga) ruled by the rebel government (NPRAG) Chapter 13: The incursion of NPRAG forces into Sierra Leone, and signing of the Yamoussoukro accord Chapter 14: Large-scale rebel rearming threatens attempts to implement Yamoussoukro Chapter 15: NPRAG forces commence a 122-day assault on the capital (Operation Octopus) PART FIVE : THE SLAYING OF THE INNOCENT Chapter 16: Francophone members of ECOWAS (formerly supportive of NPRAG) and the United Nations (UN) begin to play a more active role in securing a political settlement Chapter 17: The appointment of a UN Special Representative amidst continuing atrocities Chapter 18: The increase of ECOWAS and UN commitments in the region PART SIX: ENDGAME Chapter 19: Dissention within militias (NPFL and ULIMO) leads to chaotic conditions in Greater Liberia, but Civil Society emerges as a major player Chapter 20: The Abuja Summit and the increasing role of Nigeria Chapter 21: The implementation of Abuja II and the election of the former NPRAG leader as President